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Opinion: Columnists

Spense Havlick: Have you been scammed?

By Spense Havlick

Posted:
01/29/2018 07:35:35 PM MST

Spense Havlick For the Camera

I should have hung up the phone immediately because I didn't recognize the calling number. The caller said I could get a new warranty on my 2010 hybrid car (at a hefty price). A call to our local Honda dealer verified my suspicion that this was a scam, actually one of the most common of many.

Several of my friends and I have received calls that a grandchild is in trouble and needs several thousand dollars to get out of jail. This scam most often targets grandparents who may have a "nest egg," are uncertain of their grandchildren's activities, and are frightened by the late-night call.

Last week, my printer and connected computer became inoperative. I found what I thought was an Epson help site on the internet. The technician said he could fix my problem remotely. Then he asked my age and occupation (that should have been a scam indicator!). For $155 he could fix my problem if I would just give him my credit card number. I hung up. In frustration, I called the Geek Squad at our local Best Buy store. Their knowledgeable staff clicked on some "frozen" remote button. Immediately computer and printer worked perfectly at no cost.

Recently, I asked a group of friends that I see each week if anyone has been scammed lately. Every single person said, "Yes."

They listed these common scams:

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• "I am from Microsoft and we see your computer has a problem we can fix."

• You have just qualified for a "free" vacation package to Orlando, Florida."

• "The IRS has a warrant for your arrest due to unpaid back taxes and we can help."

Seniors seem to be the most targeted and vulnerable to scammers .The AARP reports that scams intended for the elderly are becoming epidemic. The Federal Trade Commission warns that at this time of year scams are ramping up, especially those involving financial exploitation. The FTC says that in 2017 almost $3 billion were bilked from the elderly. The red flag for a scam is when someone says you can only pay by wiring money or using a gift card or a reloadable card.

If you have been scammed or would like to avoid such annoyances, these practices might make life easier. Do not answer the phone if you do not recognize the number. Do not open the door to an unknown solicitor, and try to enroll in the National Do Not Call Registry, which is free. You can reduce the number of unwanted sales calls by registering at donotcall.gov. A caution, however, is that the FTC is overwhelmed by scam robo call complaints and as of this month it has essentially thrown up its hands.

There are several bogus area code phone numbers that should alert us to suspicious callers. They are 855, 866, and 877. However even local Colorado area code numbers 719 and 303 have been used for fraudulent purposes.

Other scams that have been reported locally include:

• Funeral/cemetery fraud where money is requested for unpaid debts of the deceased

• Counterfeit prescription drugs are offered

• Telemarketing/phone scams with fake charities

• Fraudulent anti-aging products

• Million-dollar sweepstakes

Good news: the Boulder County District Attorney's office has a responsive staff in its Community Protection Division. You are encouraged to report a scam or fraud-related activity by calling 303-441-3700 or 303-441-1664. Through this office, senior facilities and other groups can request scam avoidance presentations.

Try to validate your charitable giving and other donations to political or environmental organizations by researching their legitimacy and administrative costs. Never give a credit card number, Social Security number or Medicare info to unsolicited phone callers.

The National Council on Aging reports a statistic that I find to be heartbreaking and almost unbelievable. It states that 90 percent of all reported elder abuse (i.e. scams) is committed by the older person's own family members.

Spense Havlick is a former member of the Boulder City Council and a former member of the Daily Camera Editorial Advisory Board. Email: Havlick@colorado.edu

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